CactiGuide.com

Hi Everyone,

I thought I start a topic on the cactus greenhouse of the botanical garden of Antwerp. It's currently closed to the public, so I only got pictures from it's exterior. We (the local cactus club) are attempting to have it reopened. An elderly coupe (Etienne (Tjen) and Godelieve) used to open it on Satur- and Sundays and take care of the plants every Tuesday. Tjen had health problems and sadly passed away a few months ago. The succulents and cacti were basically neglected for over 1.5 years. Of the whole team of workers responsible for the parcs, gardens, etc... in Antwerp there is only 1 person (Gerard) who has the expertise to take care of the plants. He is doing at the moment, but the neglect took it's toll. He will also retire in +- 5 years. After that, no idea what is going to happen. We are working on a system to have it reopened using volunteers (incl. myself) and I hope in the long run to be involved in the care of the plants. I have too little experience at the moment. I'll try and post pictures on a regular basis. Enjoy!

Wonderful place, and it would be a genuine shame if that collection falls by the wayside. Best wishes to the volunteers who will be able to keep it going.

Thanks!

The previous caretaker/volunteer Etienne:

Interesting thread Post more pics and more of the history of this collection, if you have knowledge of it.

Mrs.Green wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:35 am Interesting thread Post more pics and more of the history of this collection, if you have knowledge of it.

I will. I'm currently identifying the collection (with the help of forum members off course ). When 1/4 of the plants have been positively id'ed I will post more pictures. An aloe is producing a flower, which I hope to document soon. I think their thermostat is broken and it's a bit too warm in there now.

Ferocactus stainesii pilosus looks like a south American cactus to me , like a Eriosyce bulbocalyx ?

keith wrote: ↑Sun Feb 20, 2022 12:09 am Ferocactus stainesii pilosus looks like a south American cactus to me , like a Eriosyce bulbocalyx ?

Indeed, it doesn't have the red spines. I will adjust it in the description. Thank you!

ohugal wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:08 pm

Mrs.Green wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:35 am Interesting thread Post more pics and more of the history of this collection, if you have knowledge of it.

I will. I'm currently identifying the collection (with the help of forum members off course ). When 1/4 of the plants have been positively id'ed I will post more pictures. An aloe is producing a flower, which I hope to document soon. I think their thermostat is broken and it's a bit too warm in there now.

Do you know the history behind the cactus greenhouse? When was it established, were did the cacti came from, whom decided to establish a cacti/ succulent collection ++++++ ?

Mrs.Green wrote: ↑Sun Feb 20, 2022 2:42 pm

ohugal wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:08 pm

Mrs.Green wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:35 am Interesting thread Post more pics and more of the history of this collection, if you have knowledge of it.

I will. I'm currently identifying the collection (with the help of forum members off course ). When 1/4 of the plants have been positively id'ed I will post more pictures. An aloe is producing a flower, which I hope to document soon. I think their thermostat is broken and it's a bit too warm in there now.

Do you know the history behind the cactus greenhouse? When was it established, were did the cacti came from, whom decided to establish a cacti/ succulent collection ++++++ ?

I will try and find out!